Dc based powering and charging circuit for compressor systems and other mechanical devices

• US 5,742,147 A
• Filed: 04/25/1994
• Issued: 04/21/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel Ralph Molina, Michael Timothy Molina
• Original Assignee: Daniel Ralph Molina, Michael Timothy Molina
• Inventors: Molina, Michael Timothy, Molina, Daniel Ralph
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Peter S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHIN, KYUNG E
• Application Number:
  US08/231,695
• Time in Patent Office: 1,457 Days
• Field of Search: 320/6, 320/7, 320/8, 320/46, 320/15-16, 417/362, 417/44.2, 417/234, 417/43, 417/411
• US Class Current: 320/104
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 2203/0202 Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 23/02 having reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/06 Control using electricity regulating by means of floats actuating electric switches F04B49/04
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0024 Parallel/serial switching of connection of batteries to charge or load circuit
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0068 Battery or charger load switching, e.g. concurrent charging and load supply H02J7/0013 takes precedence

Abstract

A DC powered compressor system that uses a series of 12 volt batteries to provide multiple units of 12 volts power to a compressor motor as needed. A circuit arrangement comprises: a series of 12 volt batteries, a charging unit for the batteries when they are not powering the motor, and several switches to connect the batteries to the compressor motor when low pressure is detected. The arrangement allows the batteries to power the motor with a voltage equal to the sum of the batteries in series when low pressure in the compressor is detected and to allow a charging unit to charge the batteries when the motor is not being powered. A pressure switch in connection with the tank of the compressor activates the switches which disconnect the batteries from the charger and reconnects them to the motor upon detecting a drop in pressure in the tank.

Claims

1. A direct current based powering and charging system for powering a compressor, comprising:

an electric motor in connection with an air compressor, at least two 12-volt, direct current, batteries connected in series to said electric motor to form a powering circuit, a charging circuit comprising a parallel electric connection of said batteries in connection with a means for charging said batteries, said charging circuit and said powering circuit in connection with a switching means for making either of said switching and said charging circuits operable, said air compressor in connection with an enclosed tank containing air under pressure, said air compressor having a means to increase the pressure of said air, a sensor in connection with said tank and having a means for measuring when said pressure of said air is at or below a certain optimal pressure, said sensor in connection with said switching means so that said switching means will operate said charging circuit when said pressure in said tank is optimal and for operating said powering circuit when said pressure in said tank is below said optimal pressure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 having a wheeled vehicle in connection with said batteries, said compressor and said motor, said vehicle having means for supporting said batteries, said compressor and said motor.